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Ulwaluko, traditional circumcision and initiation from childhood to adulthood, is an ancient initiation rite practised (though not exclusively) by the Xhosa people, and is commonly practised throughout South Africa. The ritual is traditionally intended as a teaching institution, to prepare young males for the responsibilities of manhood. [1]
The Xhosa culture has a traditional dress code informed by the individuals social standing portraying different stages of life. The 'red blanket people' (Xhosa people) have a custom of wearing red blankets dyed with red ochre, the intensity of the colour varying from tribe to tribe. Other clothing includes beadwork and printed fabrics.
An imbongi (plural iimbongi), or a Xhosa praise poet, is a member of the Xhosa community who performs ceremonial activities at important events. An imbongi is traditionally a male who recites emotive poetry, sings, explains family relationships, re-tells historical events and comments on current affairs.
Each culture has their own terminology for their traditional healers. Xhosa traditional healers are known as amaxhwele (herbalists) or amagqirha (diviners). [4] Ngaka and selaoli are the terms in Northern Sotho and Southern Sotho respectively, while among the Venda they are called mungome. [3] The Tsonga refer to their healers as n'anga or ...
In Xhosa cosmology, uThixo is seen as the creator of the universe and the ultimate source of all existence. The word is used in prayers, worship, and religious ceremonies within the Xhosa Christian community. [2] "uThixo" embodies the divine force that is acknowledged and revered in their traditional belief systems.
The umrhubhe is now used in music education as part of ensemble performances alongside other traditional instruments, such as the uhadi and isitolotolo. For example, at Walter Sisulu University, songs like "Mafeda" are taught to students as part of ensemble performances, providing opportunities to engage with Xhosa musical traditions. [2]
Shweshwe is traditionally used to make dresses, skirts, aprons and wraparound clothing. Shweshwe clothing is traditionally worn by newly married Xhosa women, known as makoti, and married Sotho women. [9] [10] [14] [15] Xhosa women have also incorporated the fabric into their traditional ochre-coloured blanket clothing.
Kaffir Folk-lore: A Selection from the Traditional Tales is a book by George McCall Theal published in 1882. It is sometimes called Kaffir (Xhosa) Folk-lore or even Xhosa Folk-lore to avoid the word kaffir, which has since become a derogatory term (in the time the book was written, however, it was frequently used to refer to the Xhosa people [citation needed]).